Side Table
Manufactured by Ubunji Kidokoro
Japan, 1968
Bamboo, Plywood

Measurements
63 x 40 x 52h cm
24,9 x 15,8 x 20,5h in

Provenance
Private collection, Tokyo

Literature
Japan Living Design, Exploring 20th-Century Modernism, Japan Interior Designers Association, Tokyo, 2004, pp. 76–77.
Domus, n°269, April 1952, exhibition curated by Kenzo Tange, Takashimaya, Tokyo

Details
Ubunji Kidokoro collaborated with Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya department stores, blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern furniture design. His work was recognized for innovative materials and contemporary aesthetics.

About
The Ubunji Kidokoro side table, crafted between 1935 and 1940, is a distinguished example of Japanese modernist design that harmoniously integrates traditional materials with contemporary form. Designed by Ubunji Kidokoro this piece reflects a profound understanding of both aesthetic and functional principles.
The table features a combination of bamboo and plywood, materials that were both locally sourced and culturally significant in Japan. The use of bamboo, a material deeply rooted in Japanese craftsmanship, alongside plywood, demonstrates Kidokoro’s innovative approach to modern design. This fusion of materials not only showcases the versatility of bamboo but also aligns with the era’s exploration of new forms and structures in furniture design.
The Ubunji Kidokoro side table stands as a testament to the designer’s ability to merge traditional Japanese materials with modern design principles. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, functionality, and the cultural resonance of its materials. Today, pieces like this are celebrated for their historical significance.